California Offers Beef Guide for Small Operation
Courtesy of American Cowman Web site
The New Fundamentals of Beef Management from the University of California is a handy guide developed specifically for small-scale operations, and includes everything you need to know to get started in the beef cattle business and those new or revisiting the beef industry. The 140-page manual includes four appendixes, a glossary and index, and also provides specialized information that will help keep you abreast of trends and changes in the industry.
There is an $18 fee to order the publication. For more information call 800-994-8849 or log onto http://ucanr.org/beef.
More Meat in July
by Bob Meyer
Courtesy of Brownfield Network Web site
Commercial red meat production in the United States totaled 3.94 billion pounds in July, up four percent from a year ago. Beef production increased two percent to 2.26 billion pounds. Cattle slaughter for the month was two percent higher at 2.9 million head but the average animal was four pounds lighter than a year ago at 1,269 pounds.
Veal production in July was five percent below a year ago at 10.7 million pounds. Calf numbers were up eight percent from a year ago but average live weight dropped 36 pounds to 264.
July pork production increased seven percent from the previous year to 1.66 billion pounds in July. Hog kill was seven percent higher, 8.4 million head and the average animal was a pound heavier at 264.
Lamb and mutton production for the month, 13.5 million pounds, a two percent increase over July, 2006. There were one percent more animals, 204,700, weighing one-pound more, 131.
For the January to July period, total red meat production was up two percent to 27.5 billion pounds. For the period, beef was one percent higher, pork two percent higher and veal production was up four percent from the same period in 2006. Lamb and mutton production was down three percent.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PLANNING TEXAS-SIZED PARTY FOR CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Two-day event will bring people from across Texas to Fort Worth Stockyards
From TDA Press Release
AUSTIN – This year marks the 100 th anniversary of the Texas Department of Agriculture, a chance to shine a spotlight on the proud past and prosperous future of our vital agricultural industry and its diverse influence on our global economy.
“Texas agriculture has a grand heritage. We are taking this special moment in time to recognize and honor the farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses that built Texas and the important role the Texas Department of Agriculture has played in shaping our state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. “Our centennial celebration will also look ahead as the agriculture industry continues to evolve and create food, fiber and jobs for the people of Texas and the world.”
The famous Fort Worth Stockyards will host the two-day celebration. On Friday, September 14, 2007, the event will kick off with a special Gala reception and dinner featuring a variety of produce, beef, chicken and pork products representing Texas agriculture. The evening will also include the debut of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s centennial documentary video featuring narration by Ray Benson , the front man of the legendary Texas swing band Asleep at the Wheel.
On Saturday, September 15, the fun will last all day long and into the night. Some of the events are a 5k fun run, a Kids Korral, Agri-U, a Town Square and a Centennial Concert featuring Clay Walker. The Kids Korral will include a petting zoo, roping demonstrations and whiplash the famous cowboy monkey. At Agri-U enjoy gardening classes, food tasting and an ethanol racecar simulator.
Texas businesses and associations will set up booths and interactive demonstrations showcasing the importance of agriculture in everyday life. The lively Town Square will feature GO TEXAN products that are sold around the world and feature the special logo that signifies the goods are 100 percent true Texan. For a complete list of the centennial celebration events and a look back at the past 100 years in Texas agriculture go to www.100yearstda.com.
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